Political Science

Iran as a country has been showing significant growth in the past few years. Part of this growth is the ability of the country to harness nuclear technology and nuclear power. This creates fear among other countries regarding the possibility of Iran arming itself with a nuclear weapon, thus creating the stand-off between those who supports Iran and those who are against this action of Iran, particularly the United States. The US was inclined to display its exercise of power toward Iran during the ongoing nuclear energy crisis.

Background
The long standing political crisis involving the continued development of nuclear power of Iran and the position of the US against it in fear of its possible role in proliferation of nuclear power, the creation of a nuclear bomb and the violation on anti-proliferation law began many years. This happened back in the time when in the early twentieth century US and Europe was supportive of Irans endeavor to develop sources for energy. However, when political ties between the two countries grew sour and the growing threat of terrorism, Iran has pursued nuclear development. This was openly opposed by the United States today. The relationship of US and Iran has changed over the years. Many international laws and agreements pertaining to practices regarding nuclear weapons and the development of nuclear technology has impacted that relationship, not to mention stiff political channels exiting or entering the two countries boundaries, making the resolution of this conflict more difficult and more complicated. Today, President Barack Obama has openly called on Iran to stop on its nuclear energy technology development. On the other side, it appears that Iran is not listening at all, prompting the US, as well as the UN, EU and other countries to consider possible sanctions and course of action to address the issue. The US believes that sanctioning Iran can solve the problem.

U.S. and the Four Methods of the Exercise of Power
(Persuasion, Rewards, Punishment and Force)
The United States has explored different ways in which it can convince Iran to back down on its nuclear technology development. This was done in the hope that the crisis would not accelerate into a global conflict that would require the use of military, political and economic force that can have long-lasting effects on the country, its people, its economy and its political standing. To date, it appears that among the four methods of the exercise of power, the US is currently using the method of persuasion. It is unclear if punishment is being undertaken officially. It appears that the US is ready to use the exercise the both punishment and force in the near future. Iran appears to be not inclined to diverge from its path and is continuing in the development of nuclear technology despite warnings from the US, the UN, the EU and from other countries who are against such action by Iran.

Noticeably, the US is using the full extent of persuasion, using official channels as well as the mass media to communicate to Iran the intent of the US, which is to have Iran stop at once in the development of its nuclear technology. Time and again, the US have spoken about the nuclear technology development in Iran and how it should be stopped. The US tries to persuade Tehran to comply and to avoid the repercussions of the insistence of Iran to pursue further its nuclear technology development. In fact, part of the persuasion of the US is the exploration of mild approach to Iran in the hope that US reaching out does not antagonize Iran. A softer tone is likely to manifest itself in the more moderate voices of the US State Department that have advocated the establishment of new diplomatic channels and the partial lifting of economic sanctions in return for continuing compliance. Part of the initial persuasion is using communication channels so that the two governments can talk. US politicians recognize the fact that Iran wont stop in the effort for enrichment in its nuclear energy efforts. It is also imperative that the US tries to resolve the issue with Iran not merely by colliding head on with Iran with the use of political or even military force but also to explore common grounds which can be used to negotiate. But when simple talks appear to be headed nowhere, the US actions shifted to the more serious sanctions and punishments.

Observers are also inclined to believe that the US has already, unofficially or otherwise, started the phase of punishment versus Iran. The punishment meant to accomplish two things first, to force Iran to change its mind and its course of action and second, the create pressure points and hurt Iran and to let Iran know that other countries can render such form of punishment towards the country. Part of the pressure-creation is targeting particular groups inside Iran to pressure, like the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps of Iran. Analysts have already identified the possible forms of sanctions towards Iran. The US decision to sanction Iran included condemnation...travel bans...energy-sector investment ban and trade sanctions and that all of these are expected to inflict great costs on Iran. The United States have already expressed its intentions on punishing Iran via sanctions that it will undertake with the cooperation of other countries.

Hypothetical Examples of U.S. Actions corresponding to each of the Four Methods of the Exercise of Power

The US has used persuasion and punishment so far. Rewards is out of the question since there is nothing the US can offer that Iran will willingly take in exchange for the suspension of its nuclear technology development. It appears that the future will now focus on the last remaining course of action force. Hypothetically, US can send military force and combine it with economic and military force to show its might and force Iran to submission through this overwhelming show of force. In reality, this is easier said than done. For one, the US is still reeling from the economic impact of the wars it waged in Afghanistan and Iraq and is still incapable of rallying popular support for another war. Secondly, Iran is not an easy target compared to the two other countries, considering its abilities, its allies and the repercussions that other countries may suffer from in the eventuality of attack on Iran, not to mention the threat of increased terrorism, which the world does not want any part of.